The U.S. Capitol building.

Wealthy politicians

James Carroll's recent article "Most Kentucky congressional members are millionaires" juxtaposed the wealth of Congress with the issues of extending unemployment benefits, raising the minimum wage and income inequality in the United States. An inference is that rich congressional leaders are not in touch with the average American household and not in any place to lead on these issues.

Being rich or poor doesn't make a good leader. Most experts agree ethical leadership requires individuals dedicated to serving others and who are concerned with how their decisions impact all people. I hope voters are looking for value-based and ethically driven leaders, not the richest or poorest candidates.

The real triumphs of this story are that this financial information is available to citizens, that we can hold our elected leaders accountable when they use their official position for personal gain and that our press can report it.

JONATHAN S. RICKETTS

Louisville 40207 -

Budget bill

Really? The omnibus bill rolls back steeper cuts to defense spending, no new funding for ACA, bans federal spending for high-speed rail, seeks to block the phasing out of incandescent lightbulbs, and defunds U.S. funding for the IMF or UNESCO. And promotes coal and tighter rules on mountain top blasting. And this is considered a compromise? All of the above are short-sighted and are not good for America. It is an embarrassment.

ALAN LOSSNER

Slaughters, Ky. 42456 -

Drinking water

I am troubled that Louisville Water Co. has decided not to close our water intakes when the chemical from the West Virginia spill (MCHM) passes through Louisville even when other cities like Cincinnati have decided to close their intakes. If the taste and smell are in the water, the chemical is in the water and I am sure that most citizens do not want to drink or bathe in the it even if Louisville Water Co. states that they can "handle the taste and odor."

Authorities have acknowledged that they know little about this chemical's toxicity. Why is Louisville Water Co. taking this risk? It should reconsider its decision and close the intakes when the chemical passes by and give us all peace of mind.

TERRI MANNING

Louisville 40241 -

Food stamps

If food stamps were linked to healthy foods, vegetables, fruits, legumes, meat and basic staples, people would not go hungry. Omit soft drinks, processed foods, cookies, chocolates, and we would not have a great problem with obesity. Limit the use to healthy foods and the money would stretch plenty far. Give them free cooking classes too.